BMRCL to respond to safety inspection observations on Pink Line of Namma Metro next week

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is preparing to address observations made by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) following a statutory inspection of the 7.5-km elevated stretch of the Pink Line, as the corridor awaits final approval to begin commercial operations.

On October 9, BMRCL received the list of observations from V. Venkatasubramanian, Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety, Southern Circle, who inspected the elevated section from October 6 to 8.

BMRCL officials said that the corporation must submit a compliance report addressing the observations, and demonstrate that all prescribed safety requirements have been met before the line can be opened to passengers.

A senior official said, “Such observations are a routine part of the metro commissioning process. Receiving a list of remarks does not necessarily indicate major deficiencies. BMRCL is preparing its response, which is expected to be submitted next week.”

Although the corporation has not disclosed the specific observations, officials said that the remarks do not indicate structural defects or serious safety concerns. They described the exercise as part of the final verification process to ensure that the corridor meets the required safety standards before passenger services begin.

Another senior BMRCL official said that the corporation had anticipated most of the documentation requirements and minor modifications, which could help expedite the process. The compliance report will include photographic evidence and technical details for the safety commissioner’s review.

Once the report is examined and accepted, the CMRS can grant the statutory authorisation required to commence commercial operations.

BMRCL hopes to secure the clearance soon and open the long-awaited stretch for passenger services.

The corporation is aiming to launch the elevated section around Dasara, subject to the completion of safety formalities. The opening has been delayed several times. Once operational, the elevated stretch will extend Namma Metro’s network from 96.10 km to 103.60 km.

The 21.3-km Pink Line comprises a 7.5-km elevated section and a 13.8-km underground corridor. The underground section will connect Dairy Circle, M.G. Road, Shivajinagar, and Tannery Road, providing a north-south metro link through central Bengaluru.